Author name: highlandnews

New Memorandum of Understanding will see closer cooperation between ATU and UU

The Atlantic Technological University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ulster University as part of a pan to strengthen the North West Tertiary Education Cluster. The ATU has also signed an MOU with the HSE to provide more training for HSE staff, as well as enhancing cooperation through the School of Nursing. On the MOU with […]

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Three houses severely damaged after being struck by lightning in Newtowncunningham

Two houses in Newtowncunnigham have been extensively damaged after being struck by lightning this afternoon. A third house has been damaged internally after electrical appliances within the property blew. A mother and her children and an elderly resident managed to escape uninjured but they have been left badly shaken. The fire service remain at the

Three houses severely damaged after being struck by lightning in Newtowncunningham Read More »

Police continue to investigate reports of masked men entering bars in Dungiven

Police are continuing to appeal for information following a report that a number of masked and armed men entered licensed premises in Dungiven on Friday. The men are believed to have entered four local bars in the town between 7.15pm and 7.20pm, claiming to represent the IRA, and threatened people inside. Police are appealing to

Police continue to investigate reports of masked men entering bars in Dungiven Read More »

Minister Simon Harris says the ATU’s Killybegs campus has a bright future

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris visited the Letterkenny and Killybegs campuses of the ATU today for a series of engagements. In Killybegs, he confirmed an electrical apprenticeship programme for the college, as well as plans for further developments in plumbing and pipe fitting. He also launched  a 4.5 million euro package for colleges that have multiple campuses

Minister Simon Harris says the ATU’s Killybegs campus has a bright future Read More »

Clean up operation continues after last nights storm

A massive clean up operation is continuing in Donegal this morning after thousands of trees fell overnight and other structural damage was experienced in several buildings around the county. An Gardaí Siochana Donegal said few roads were spared as trees fell. Donegal County Council Director of Service for Roads and Transportation Bryan Cannon says that

Clean up operation continues after last nights storm Read More »

Sixteen water outage notices issued in Donegal this morning

Uisce Eireann have issued sixteen water outage notices this morning. These will impact the surrounding areas of Manorcunningham, Bridge End, Dunfanaghy, Lettermacaward, Ardara, Letterkenny, Culdaff, Buncranna, Fanad, Ramelton, Annagry, Rathmullan, Barnesmore, Rossbeg and Ballyshannon. They are largely the result of power outages and it’s hoped to have the latest of the repairs made by 8pm.

Sixteen water outage notices issued in Donegal this morning Read More »

Power may not be restored to some areas until tomorrow – ESB

42 thousand homes, farms and businesses are without power this morning in Donegal after Storm Isha brought down trees and power lines overnight. Red and orange wind warnings are now over, but yellow alerts remain in place for counties Clare, Donegal, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. The Power Check website is showing indicative restoration times

Power may not be restored to some areas until tomorrow – ESB Read More »

How to access and check the ESB Networks ‘Power Check’ service

For the latest updates from ESB Networks, go to the Power Check map at  https://powercheck.esbnetworks.ie/ The blue circles show multiple faults, if you zoom in, the individual problems will be highlighted in red. This site has updates on power outages, estimated times for restoration, and also a facility for reporting faults.

How to access and check the ESB Networks ‘Power Check’ service Read More »

ATU to receive over €2.6 million as Harris pledges support for remote campuses

The government says it’s fulfilling it’s commitment to support, grow and sustain third level education in regional areas. The Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has today announced €4.5 million for colleges that have multiple campuses in remote locations, with Atlantic Technological University set to receive over €2.6 million. The funding will will assist with

ATU to receive over €2.6 million as Harris pledges support for remote campuses Read More »

DCC urged to take action to counter Trentagh flooding

Donegal County Council is being urged to carry out urgent repairs on the Trentagh Road, which has been beset by flooding, particularly in recent months. Cllrs John O’Donnell and Michael McBride both had motions before Letterkenny Milford Municipal District highlighting the issue. Officials told the meeting some works have been carried out on the road

DCC urged to take action to counter Trentagh flooding Read More »

Aontu representative says 33% drop in speeding fines over 10 years shows need for more gardai

It’s been claimed there’s been a sharp decline in speeding enforcement, with figures showing a 33% drop in the number of fines issued on Donegal’s roads over the past 10 years. That compares a national drop of 27%. Aontu representative Mary T Sweeney says figures released to her party leader Peader Toibin in the Dail

Aontu representative says 33% drop in speeding fines over 10 years shows need for more gardai Read More »

Storm Isha update

Over 10,000 homes and businesses are without power in Donegal tonight as Storm Isha lashes the North West. In most cases, ESB Networks are suggesting 6pm tomorrow as a restoration time, but that’s likely to be revised based on the storm’s progress There are numerous reports of trees and poles down, as well as other

Storm Isha update Read More »

Update – Harry Blaney Bridge closed to ALL vehicles as council urges people to stay safe

  Due to Strong Winds, Donegal County Council says the Harry Blaney Bridge over Mulroy Bay is now closed to all vehicles. It comes as winds grow in strength ahead of the height of Storm Isha later tonight. Meanwhile, Donegal County Council is stressing the need for care this evening and tonight.   Status Red

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Flooding in Castlefinn this evening as Storm Isha draws near

Flooding is being reported in the centre of Castlefinn this evening, with fears that the impending Storm Isha may exacerbate the situation. Fire Service personnel are on hand to pump the water. Local Councillor Gary Doherty says this has happened  close to McGlynn’s Restaurant in the centre of Castlefinn, an area where multiple floods have

Flooding in Castlefinn this evening as Storm Isha draws near Read More »

TV licence may be scrapped and replaced with levy on household bills

  The TV licence fee could be replaced with a new levy of 15 euro a month charge on household bills. The Business Post reports that’s just one proposal being considered by Government, to revamp the current system of a 160 euro annual payment. The discussions around a change come following a 19 million euro

TV licence may be scrapped and replaced with levy on household bills Read More »

Two juveniles arrested after Rathmullan robbery have been released

  Two juvelines arrested by gardaí investigating the robbery of a business in Rathmullan on Thursday evening last have been released without charge. Gardai have confirmed this afternoon the two males were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, and following their release, a file will be prepared for the Garda Youth Diversion

Two juveniles arrested after Rathmullan robbery have been released Read More »

Water outages possible around Twin Towns and Raphoe

Uisce Eireann says a reservoir interruption may cause intermittent supply disruptions to Raphoe, Convoy, Ballindrait, Rooskey, Calhame, Kildowney, Meenahoney, Magheraboy, Scotland, Carnowen and surrounding areas, with works scheduled to take place until 1.30 tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile,  a treatment plant interruption may cause additional supply disruptions to Ballybofey, Stranorlar and Glenfin, with works scheduled to take

Water outages possible around Twin Towns and Raphoe Read More »

“Heightened state of readiness” as Donegal County Council monitoring progress of Storm Isha

Gale force winds associated with Storm Isha accompanied by heavy rain will bring challenging conditions across Donegal. Roads Service, Fire service and Civil Defence crews are at a heightened state of readiness in the event of local responses being required during this storm event. Donegal County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team are keeping the approaching

“Heightened state of readiness” as Donegal County Council monitoring progress of Storm Isha Read More »

NTA working on Letterkenny Town Bus as part of a sustainable transport network

Local councillors have been told the National Transport Authority is currently developing an implementation plan for a new Letterkenny Town Bus Service as envisaged in the local transport plan adopted by Donegal County Council two months ago. Members of Letterkenny Milford Municipal District were briefed this week after Mayor Cllr Kevin Bradley sought an update.

NTA working on Letterkenny Town Bus as part of a sustainable transport network Read More »

McMonagle seeks ramp to slow down traffic on Letterkenny’s Glencar Road

Donegal County Council is being urged to we put in further traffic calming measures in place on the straight stretch of Letterkenny’s Glencar Road from the Gaelscoil Junction to Chestnut Grove. The issue was raised by Cllr Gerry McMonagle, who was told a recent speed study showed average speeds of 59 Kph in that area.

McMonagle seeks ramp to slow down traffic on Letterkenny’s Glencar Road Read More »

Armed and masked men make threats at sports club and licensed premises in Dungiven

Police in County Derry are investigating two incidents of armed and masked men entering premises and making threats last night. It was reported around 7.20pm that a number of masked, one of whom was believed to be armed with a hand gun had entered a sports club in the Garvagh Road area and made threats

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RSA issues road safety weather alert ahead of Storm Isha

Updated – Road Safety Weather Alert –  Orange and Yellow Weather Warnings for Storm Isha   20 January 2024 – The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads on Sunday 21 January and Monday 22 January as Met Éireann have issued Orange and Yellow Weather Warnings for Storm Isha where wet and windy weather

RSA issues road safety weather alert ahead of Storm Isha Read More »

University of Galway students seek government action on rising rents

Students in Galway want government to protect them from unscrupulous landlords and rising rents. University of Galway Student Union President Dean Kenny says almost 20% of students in the city live in digs, which are totally unregulated. Many others are paying almost 1000 euro a month for on-campus accommodation. It comes after Minister for Higher

University of Galway students seek government action on rising rents Read More »

‘More needs to be done to aid struggling hospitality sector’ – Deputy Harkin

More needs to be done to come to the aid of a struggling hospitality sector. That according to South Donegal Deputy Marian Harkin. She says every week more businesses are being left with no option but to close down in the face of rising costs. Speaking in the Dail in recent days, Deputy Harkin says

‘More needs to be done to aid struggling hospitality sector’ – Deputy Harkin Read More »

Donegal one of the top destinations for workers relocating

Donegal is one of the top destinations for workers to relocate to in Ireland. A new report by the Western Development Commission has revealed that 14% of people relocated based on their experience of remote working since the pandemic with 63.5% of people relocating from Dublin. Deirdre Frost, a Policy Analyst at the Western Development

Donegal one of the top destinations for workers relocating Read More »

Public consultation launched on Letters to Heaven post box initiative

A public consultation has been launched in Derry and Strabane on a Letters to Heaven post box initiative. The project will see letterboxes placed in four of the largest cemeteries across the city and district, allowing visitors to send letters to loved ones they have lost. It has already been rolled out in the City

Public consultation launched on Letters to Heaven post box initiative Read More »

Donegal one of the more affordable regions to live in in Ireland

Donegal is one of the more affordable regions to live in in Ireland. According to the Irish Independent’s How Much Is Your House Worth 2024 survey, the average house price in the county is €305,000, up 2% when compared to last year. Irish Independent Property Editor Mark Keenan says the cross border holiday homes market

Donegal one of the more affordable regions to live in in Ireland Read More »

Uisce Eireann working to restore supply after unplanned outage at Meencrumlin Water Treatment Plant

Uisce Éireann says it is working to restore normal water supply to homes and businesses served by the Lough Mourne Public Water Supply Scheme. An electrical issue has caused an unplanned plant shut down at the Meencrumlin Water Treatment Plant. The utility says crews are on the ground working to restore supply as quickly as

Uisce Eireann working to restore supply after unplanned outage at Meencrumlin Water Treatment Plant Read More »

Services update for Derry City and Strabane District Council

  Derry City and Strabane District Council is advising the public that the ongoing severe weather conditions continues to impact on some of our services today, Friday, 19 January.   Refuse Services While our early morning refuse collection services were suspended we are pleased to advise that they have resumed and our teams will be

Services update for Derry City and Strabane District Council Read More »